Australia did not cancel the agreement regarding the 99-year lease of the strategically important Darwin Port to the Chinese company, despite concerns that it “may pose a security risk”.
In a written statement from the Australian Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretariat, “Australians can be confident that their security will not be compromised while ensuring that the country remains a competitive destination for foreign investment.” The expression was used.
In the statement, it was emphasized that after the examinations, it was understood that the currently implemented controls and regulations are sufficient to address security risks.
It is noteworthy that the decision of the Prime Ministry and Cabinet Secretariat to continue the leasing agreement came before Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s meeting with US President Joe Biden next week.
In its statement on the issue, Landbridge Group noted that it hoped the decision would end security concerns.
On the other hand, Albanese is expected to be the first Australian Prime Minister to visit Beijing in 7 years.
Landbridge Industry Australia, a subsidiary of the Chinese Shandong Landbridge Group, which operates in the logistics, port management and energy sectors, leased the Port of Darwin from the Northern Territories federal region for 99 years in 2015.
Following the agreement, concerns were raised that the presence of the Chinese company in the port would increase the ability to collect intelligence about the US and Australian military forces in the region.
On the other hand, Albanese’s Labor Party, which was in opposition at the time the agreement was made, objected to the lease due to security concerns.
Albanese launched an investigation into the agreement after he became prime minister in 2022.
The opinions expressed herein are the author’s and not necessarily those of News2Sea.
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